King_leer's Videos Playlist....Summer 2015

Sunday, 19 December 2010

With this post ends my contribution to better understand the work behind the last Kasabian’s record release. After the 2008 magnificent “Only By the Night” by Kings of Leon, in 2009 my choice was this West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Now that 2010 is ending there’s undoubtedly some good records to explore. I hope you all liked it and what better to finish this study with the great Dan The Automator? Wish you all a Merry Xmas and a great 2011.

King_leer (KL):

We all know about your past work and if you take a look at some of the last Kasabian’s record reviews, almost everyone tries to point it out the tune that your presence is more – how shell i say – noticed. For instance at the NME’s review Hamish MacBain fires with “Take Aim”. Meanwhile, Serge Pizzorno tells in a interview that the sound on “Underdog” it’s a “...21st century sounding tune. It’s one of the reasons we got Dan The Automator in to produce it.

So Dan, for you what is the track that you most identify with you and your background as a musician, producer, etc.

Dan The Automator (DTA):

actually I look more at the overall work as opposed to one song because it is the variety that makes up the style, but if I were to choose 1 I would probably say vlad

(KL):

What’s your role in the creative process as a producer in this record. For instance i’ve talked with the producers from the Kings of Leon record and you can figure that the band has a major important role on it, while by the other way, when talking to Stephen Street on the last/first Pete Doherty solo album i could also state that the producer had a major role on the final result.

Since Serge - although i don’t know him personally writes almost all the songs and i believe he follows up all of the creative process with great commitment. Tell us a little bit about this relation and how was is in “the field”.

(DTA):

Every song has different needs, some involve removing stuff must involve adding drums the goal is always to make the most of what everyone has to offer to make the best record possible. Sometimes it is listening to what serge wants to achieve and sometimes it is showing him a new place to take it.

Since the strings were recorded in other sessions, the other instruments were recorded stand alone or along with the band, like a live session.

the process is additive and things got recorded and added as needed.

(KL):

What was the strangest effect you used on a track from this record? What was the track that took you more time to produce - any special reason?

(DTA):

Varieties of tape echoes and other old esoteric gear was used to created some of the ambiance probably the oddest was the use of various old English farming tools.

(KL):

Finally, on you and your projects:

There’s something you said in the past that I really understand and have the same opinion:

“ I’ve followed people that don’t pay much attention tocategorise music…..for me This will sound good is ok”. Is this the secret for you to work in a wide spectrum of different music styles?

(DTA):

I like a wide variety of music and appreciate the different strengths in the various genres. So when I make music any and everything can be a part of it. It is also probably why I am comfortable working in different musical styles.

(KL):

What are your next projects?

(DTA):

Working on a new record with a new girl (Pillow Fight).

Doing songs in this new movie called scott pilgrim.

I’m doing also one Asian pop record .

Finally, I’m setting up a world class Dj program/show series in San Francisco to showcase the top musical djs and further link them to musical band type situations. the first of the series will feature Dj Qbert.

Also will work in a couple other records but, too early to talk about.

Saturday, 4 December 2010

Howie Weinberg is a master on the mastering process. Worked on – as he stated – between 2,000 to 3,000 records since the early 80’s. From James Brown to U2 and Nirvana to Public Enemy, Glasvegas, and Gorillaz . In fact, Howie received in 1996 a TEC award for “best record production/single-track” for his work on the “Feel Good Inc,” masterpiece.He’s with Masterdisksince 1977.

His recent work with Kasabian was the reason for this quick phone conversation a little while ago. So, let’s read what the Master has to tell us about this record:

On Kasabian’s record:

King_leer (KL):

Who made the call for Kasabian’s newrecord?

Howie Weinberg (WB):

In fact it was Dan. Dan is the client as well as Sony, the label. We have a very close work relationship. I have a amazing studio set-up and that’s all. We work together for 10 years now in all kind of projects.

(KL):

When you are mastering (i believe) the producer or band members will ear the final result and then close the subject. How did it go with Kasabian’s record ? Who was following the process with you? It was Dan, the band or both? What kind of communication was in place between you and the producer/band?

(WB):

Dan and I knew very well what to do andwhat the band wanted. Although, the band had a great input, they were very proactive also. We sat down and start promptly the work. We had a very good mix.

On You

(KL):

Can you pick from all your discography the most difficult records you have worked in - technically speaking?